Test Lead

Powerdatagroup; Darwin; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) is seeking an experienced Test Lead in Darwin to oversee end-to-end testing across digital transformation initiatives. The role drives governance, risk management and delivery oversight within a multi-vendor ICT environment.

The successful candidate will coordinate testing across cross-agency programs, including Worker Screening Reform, and deliver high-quality test outcomes with strong stakeholder engagement and reporting to executive levels.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Information Systems, IT or related discipline.
• ISTQB Test Manager/Analyst or equivalent certification.
• Proven experience leading testing functions in large, complex ICT environments.
• Strong track record in end-to-end test management, execution, defect management and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead testing activities across the full project lifecycle with schedules and quality governance.
• Develop and maintain test strategies, plans, schedules and reporting artefacts.
• Coordinate testing across project teams, vendors, stakeholders and external agencies.
• Review requirements to ensure complete traceable test coverage and risk mitigation.
• Oversee test design, execution, defect management, triage and resolution processes.
• Manage System, Integration, UAT and Production Verification Testing.
• Provide executive-level reporting on testing progress, risks and outcomes.
• Identify and escalate testing risks, dependencies, and constraints.
• Drive continuous improvement in testing methodologies and governance.

Skills

ISTQB

Test strategy

End-to-end testing

Jira

Stakeholder engagement

SQL

Education

Tertiary qualification in Computer Science/IT

Tools

SQL Server

Job description

Darwin, Australia | Posted on 17/07/2026

The Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) Digital Transformation Program is seeking an experienced Test Lead to oversee and coordinate end-to-end testing activities across a portfolio of digital transformation initiatives. The program supports the Northern Territory Government's strategic objectives of reducing crime and improving community safety through the delivery of modern technology solutions and cross-agency reforms.

The successful candidate will lead testing efforts across complex, multi-vendor and multi-system environments, ensuring quality outcomes through rigorous governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and delivery oversight. A key area of focus will include supporting the Worker Screening Reform Program and other cross-agency initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage testing activities throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring delivery aligns with project schedules and quality standards.
  
• Develop and maintain comprehensive test strategies, plans, schedules, and reporting artefacts.
  
• Coordinate testing activities across project teams, vendors, business stakeholders, and external agencies.
  
• Review business and technical requirements to ensure complete and traceable test coverage.
  
• Oversee test design, execution, defect management, defect triage, and resolution processes.
  
• Manage System Testing, Integration Testing, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and Production Verification Testing.
  
• Provide executive and project-level reporting on testing progress, quality metrics, issues, risks, and outcomes.
  
• Identify, manage, and escalate testing-related risks, issues, dependencies, and constraints.
  
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance testing methodologies, governance processes, and quality outcomes.
  

Requirements

Essential Skills and Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
  
• ISTQB Test Manager, Test Analyst, or equivalent testing certification.
  
• Demonstrated experience leading testing functions within large and complex ICT environments.
  
• Strong experience developing and implementing enterprise-level test strategies and plans.
  
• Proven expertise in end-to-end test management, execution, defect management, and reporting.
  
• Experience with test management and defect tracking tools such as Jira or equivalent platforms.
  
• Strong understanding of Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies and testing frameworks.
  
• Ability to interpret functional and technical requirements and translate them into effective test coverage.
  
• Experience working across integrated systems and multi-vendor delivery environments.
  
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
  
• Demonstrated capability managing testing risks, dependencies, and governance requirements.
  
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving complex defects and quality issues.
  
• Working knowledge of SQL Server or similar database platforms.
  

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Previous experience delivering technology projects within government or highly regulated environments.
  
• Experience supporting digital transformation programs within policing, justice, emergency services, public safety, or related operational domains.
  
• Familiarity with cross-agency governance and large-scale transformation initiatives.